RULES & REGULATIONS 2007 BASEBALL PROTECT OUR NATIONS YOUTH

Transcription

1 RULES & REGULATIONS 2007 BASEBALL PROTECT OUR NATIONS YOUTH

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3 2007 PONY Baseball Rule Changes - New Rule 1B and 1C: Wording from Justice Department Settlement. - Add wording to Insurance section to clarify. - Change Rule 4A: To utilize April 30th as the age determination date. - Change Rule 4A(1) to: Shetland League age will be 6 and under. - Change Rule 4A(7) to: Allow 3 (maximum) League age 19 year old players in Palomino League (and C/P Combined). C/P Combined now includes player s league age 15 to Add to 6D(3): The Palomino player contracts are due to the Zone Palomino Director by June 30th and then must be forwarded to the Palomino Commissioner s office by July 15th each year. The Palomino Roster form will no longer be used. - Add to Rule 8F: Catcher s helmet must be NOCSAE approved and have protection for both ears. - Add to T1(B): All star teams can be selected from any teams in the league regardless the number of times a team is used. - Delete from T7(A) to clarify: at the current level to allow players to be replaced whenever needed. - Delete T11(B) 2007 PONY BASEBALL WORLD SERIES Mustang League - Irving, TX August 1-4 Bronco League - Monterey, CA August 2-7 Pony-13 - Chino Hills, CA July Pony League - Washington, PA August Colt League - Lafayette, IN August 1-8 Palomino League - Rancho Cucamonga, CA August 2-5 Official Tournament Team Emblems, made available by PONY Headquarters, are required for ALL tournament players, manager, coaches and business managers who go onto the playing field including bench and dugout areas. 1

4 UMPIRE REGISTRATION PROGRAM An opportunity for umpires to: Receive copies of all PONY Rule Books and a copy of Official Rules of Major League Baseball. Receive a regular umpire emblem. Receive an official PONY Baseball Identification Card. Have his or her name included on the PONY Registry of Umpires to be maintained at Headquarters for referral to league officers and tournament directors. Join in the effort to organize a fellowship of men and women who wish to provide competent, affordable and dedicated umpiring services to the thousands of PONY Baseball and Pony Girls Softball teams across the United States and elsewhere. Pony also has umpire liability insurance available only to registered umpires. Register online at For additional information write, fax or call: PONY Baseball, Inc. P.O. Box 225, Washington, PA Phone FAX info@pony.org * ONLY $20.00 * 2

5 2007 Rules and Regulations for PONY Baseball, Inc. P.O. BOX 225 WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA Telephone: FAX: ABRAHAM KEY, President DON L. CLAWSON JR, Director of Baseball Operations Official Playing Rules of Baseball and official notes and comments quoted or paraphrased herein are used by special permission from the Commissioner of Baseball. Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited without written permission from the copyright owner. Copyright 2006 by PONY Baseball, Inc. of Washington, Pennsylvania. 3

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS League Age Keys...5 Vice Presidents...8 Disciplinary Action...9 Rules and Regulations 1. The League Insurance Teams Legal Players Boundaries Selection of Players Playing Fields Equipment Playing Rules Pitching Rules Length of Games Schedule Umpires Scorekeepers Sponsors Managers and Coaches League Decisions Committee Penalties Protests General Conduct...25 Tournament Rules and Regulations T-1 - League Eligibility...26 T-2 - Team Eligibility...27 T-3 - Legal Players...28 T-4 - Additional Palomino Tournament Players...28 T-5 - Eligibility Affidavit...28 T-6 - Birth Certification...29 T-7 - Replacement of Tournament Players...29 T-8 - Playing Fields...29 T-9 - Tournament Pitching...30 T-10 - Length of Games...30 T-11 - Schedule...31 T-12 - Umpires...31 T-13 - Managers and Coaches...31 T-14 - Business Manager...32 T-15 - Tournament Decisions Committee...32 T-16 - Tournament Direction...33 T-17 - Protests and Penalties...33 T-18 - Tournament Financial Responsibility...34 T-19 - World Series...34 Behavior...35 Notes to Tournament Team Managing Personnel...35 Sample Medical Release Form

7 2007 LEAGUE AGE KEY PONY Baseball, Inc. LEAGUE AGE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Palomino 19 (3 max) Colt Pony Bronco Mustang Pinto Shetland Players born on or after May 1, 2000 are eligible to play in Shetland League. Players born during the month and year shown above on this chart are eligible in 2007 for play in the league indicated only. Under no circumstance can a player play up out of their age bracket. Palomino and C/P Combined teams may have up to 3 League Age 19 players on their roster. 5

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9 PONY Baseball, Inc. The Line Up PONY Baseball is the administrative organization for a group of leagues providing baseball for players from 5 through 18 years of age. These are: League Age Diamond Pitching Shetland 6 and under 50 feet Pinto 7 and 8 50 feet 38 feet Mustang 9 and feet 44 feet Bronco 11 and feet 48 feet Pony 13 and feet 54 feet Colt 15 and feet 60 1/2 feet Palomino 17, 18 and feet 60 1/2 feet SHETLAND LEAGUE focuses totally on instruction of beginning players. Batting tee recommended. PINTO LEAGUE teaches the basic fundamentals of baseball. Coach-pitch recommended. MUSTANG LEAGUE begins the players training in the complete game of baseball. Tournament play is completed through World Series level. BRONCO LEAGUE and PONY LEAGUE take the developing young players into the full game of baseball, with no restrictions on base stealing, and tournament play complete through World Series level. COLT and PALOMINO LEAGUES provide players an opportunity to compete against their peers in regulation baseball through the World Series level. GIRLS SOFTBALL leagues are also operated by PONY Baseball based on the every two year and-under age concept. Copies of the PONY GIRLS SOFTBALL rule book may be obtained from PONY Baseball. ADMINISTRATION Volunteer Field Directors gather input from local league organizations for the Board of Directors and staff, and relay information based on such input back to the leagues. The Field Directors also serve as administrative and service agents to the leagues. Flexibility is a key word in PONY Baseball philosophy, which provides a pattern of league operation that may be adapted to the needs of the community, rather than asking the community to adapt to an arbitrary set of rules and regulations. League Age is that age attained by a player prior to August 1 of the current year, and determines the player s legality for a particular league. League boundaries are established by the league, but are subject to the approval of the Division Director. Membership application forms are filled out annually by each league and forwarded to PONY Baseball. The forms are processed at the headquarters and copies distributed to the Field Directors. A Membership Certificate is issued by the Division Director following his approval of league operating conditions. League supplies, including rule books, supply catalog and other items, are mailed to each league upon receipt of the Membership Application at PONY Baseball. 7

10 Equipment: Conventional baseball uniforms are recommended in SHET- LAND, PINTO and MUSTANG leagues. They are required in all other leagues. Protective headgear for batters, baserunners, on deck batters, player coaches and catchers is required. Regulation size home plate, pitching plate and bases are recommended for all leagues. An official ball, bearing an emblem of PONY BASEBALL, is required in league and tournament play. VICE PRESIDENTS For purposes of administration and tournament elimination, PONY Baseball divides the contiguous United States into four zones, North, East, South and West. The volunteer force of Field Directors at the Division, Region, Section, District and Area are headed by a Vice President in each zone. There is also an Asia-Pacific Zone. North - Steve Miller East - Terry Faust 1205 Montebello Drive 1067 Allison Avenue Herrin, IL Washington, PA (H) (H) s.miller@pony.org t.faust@pony.org South - Lynn Parnell West - Joe Gagliardi 8903 Magnolia Vale Drive 2380 S. Bascom Ave. #200 Granbury, TX Campbell, CA (H) (B) l.parnell@pony.org Fax: Asia-Pacific Shinsuke Itoh New Kaeda Bldg. 3-4 Kanda Mitoshino-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 101 Phone: Fax:

11 DISCIPLINARY ACTION The following may be adopted by the league as a guide for the handling of player or adult discipline problems. A. The league officers shall have the authority to suspend, discharge or otherwise discipline any player, manager, coach, umpire, league officer or other person whose conduct is in violation of the Rules and Regulations of PONY Baseball and/or is considered detrimental to the best interests of the league. (1) Persons subject to such discipline shall have the right to a hearing before the league officers before such discipline is imposed. (2) In the event of such a hearing involving a player, or other person under the age of 18, that person s parents shall be invited to attend. B. Persons, youth or adult, who refuse to comply with the rules of Baseball, PONY Baseball, or the League, may be considered for disciplinary action. C. Recognizing the difficulty of establishing specific penalties for a variety of violations of acceptable conduct, the following penalties are suggested. League officers may impose the one which, in their opinion, appears to match the severity of the offense. (1) Warning. The offending person is to be advised, in writing, of the offense, and further advised that repetition of the offense shall result in a more severe penalty. (2) Suspension. The offending person is to be advised in writing that he or she has been suspended from all league activity for a specific number of games, or days (3) Dismissal. The offending person is to be advised in writing that he or she has been dismissed from the league for the remainder of the current year. (4) Barred. The offending person is to be advised in writing that he or she has been barred from present and future participation in the league, permanently, or for a specific number of years. 9

12 PONY Baseball, Inc. Rules and Regulations This book does not contain a complete set of rules governing play in Shetland, Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, Pony, Colt and Palomino League. Play is governed by Official Rules of Major League Baseball. This book contains only those exceptions to Official Baseball Rules which are necessary in a youth program, as well as regulations governing league organization and administration. RULES and REGULATIONS for SHETLAND, PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY, COLT, and PALOMINO LEAGUES (Each rule is applicable to Shetland, Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, Pony, Colt, and Palomino Leagues unless specifically noted otherwise.) 1 - THE LEAGUE A. PONY Baseball does not limit participants in its leagues on the basis of disability. All leagues are required to comply with this policy and failure to do so shall be grounds for revocation of or refusal to renew a league s annual membership. Any questions on this rule shall be referred to PONY Baseball Headquarters. B. A request for reasonable modification to PONY (Baseball/Softball) Rules by an individual with a disability, or their representative, shall be accepted by any employee of PONY Headquarters and any PONY official with responsibility for organizing or supervising PONY games. PONY shall allow such a modification unless the modification would fundamentally alter an essential aspect of PONY s (Baseball/Softball) program. If an official believes that a proposed modification would fundamentally alter an essential aspect of PONY s (Baseball/Softball) program, the official should consult the PONY ADA Coordinator. The ADA Coordinator will, after an appropriate individualized inquiry that includes consideration of the player s specific circumstances and the purpose of the rule, policy, or practice at issue, decide whether to allow the modification. Written notice shall be provided to the requestor of the modification within four (4) business days of the request. Although PONY will respond appropriately and in a reasonable amount of time to a request for reasonable modification regardless of when it is received, it is highly recommended that players and their families provide notice of such a request in league registration materials prior to the start of the season and in tournament registration materials prior to the start of a tournament. C. PONY (Baseball/Softball) Rules do not limit players rights to sign language interpreters, or other auxiliary aids, during regular season and tournament games. Rules limiting persons allowed in team dugouts shall not apply to sign language interpreters. In situations where PONY s (Baseball/Softball) Rules allow coaches to be in areas other than the dugout, a sign language interpreter shall be allowed to accompany coaches in order to provide communication to a player. Any concerns with the selection of sign language interpreters or the location of such interpreters during games shall be addressed to the PONY ADA Coordinator. Although PONY will respond appropriately and in a reasonable amount of time to a request for a qualified sign language interpreter or other auxiliary aid regardless of when it is received, it is highly recommended that players and their families provide notice of such a request in league registration materials prior to the start of the season and in tournament registration materials prior to the start of a tournament. 10

13 D. PONY is a non-discriminatory organization, which prohibits actions against an individual or league on the basis of race, sex, creed, religion or national origin. E. Leagues shall be composed of any number of teams. F. The league shall apply annually, prior to April 15, for a Membership Certificate, using the Membership Application Form provided by PONY Baseball. G. The Membership Certificate shall be issued annually to each league, by the Division Director, subject to the following conditions: (1) The Division Director shall have the authority to withdraw or refuse membership for just cause, and shall give written notice to the presiding officers of the league, as indicated by the current Membership Application form on file. The league has the right to appeal such action to the Vice President in that Zone. (2) The Membership Certificate does not imply that in future seasons a new league cannot make application for operation within a portion of the present boundaries of the league, but only that no other league shall be permitted to operate within the boundaries established for the current season. (3) The Membership Certificate expires at the conclusion of the actual play of the season for which it has been granted and is subject to renewal upon application and re-examination the following year. H. All leagues are required to send rosters, with address information, to PONY Headquarters, annually. 2 - INSURANCE A. Accidents and injuries can occur while participating in baseball games. To protect our members, all leagues and teams must purchase accident insurance coverage and show proof by registration for the players, managers, coaches, official scorekeepers and volunteer umpires in their league with a policy provided by the league. Such coverage is available through PONY Baseball, Inc. B. All affiliated leagues and teams must purchase league liability insurance with minimum limits of one million dollars, on an occurrence policy basis, and naming PONY Baseball, Inc. as an additional insured. The liability policy must also include participant legal liability coverage of one million dollars. Such coverage is available through PONY Baseball, Inc. 3 - TEAMS A. SHETLAND, PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY, COLT Teams shall consist of not more than 15, nor less than 12 players and should not exceed more than eight players of the older age. The names of these players shall be registered with the league player agent. PALOMINO teams shall consist of not more than 18, nor less than 12 players and should not exceed more than 12 players of the older age. B. Age, for the league purposes, means league age, which is that age attained by a player prior to May 1 of the season in question. 4 - LEGAL PLAYERS A. Legal age of players shall be: (1) SHETLAND: Players born after April 30, (2) PINTO: Players of league age 7 and 8 born on or between May 1, 1998 and April 30,

14 (3) MUSTANG: Players of league age 9 and 10 born on or between May 1, 1996 and April 30, (4) BRONCO: Players of league age 11 and 12 born on or between May 1, 1994 and April 30, (5) PONY: Players of league age 13 and 14, born on or between May 1, 1992 and April 30, (6) COLT: Players of league age 15 and 16, born on or between May 1, 1990 and April 30, (7) PALOMINO: Players of league age 17, 18 and 19 born on or between May 1, 1987 and April 30, NOTE: Where desired, players of league age 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 may be combined in one league during the regular season in a COLT-PALOMI- NO COMBINED league with the approval of the Division Director. No more than 3 league age 19 year old players are allowed on a roster. B. SHETLAND, PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY and COLT players of proper age whose residence, as determined by the residence of their parents or legal guardians (supported by school records), is within the approved league boundaries shall be considered legal players for league and tournament competition. (1) Players shall not participate with more than one PONY Baseball and/or Softball league at the same time. (2) A player shall not move from one league to another within a common or overlapping boundary in the same season. C. PALOMINO League players residence shall be determined by residence of parents or legal guardians, player s residence while attending school or legal voting residence. (1) The intent of this rule is to prohibit the recruitment of players who would not otherwise reside within the player selection area of the team. (2) In the event of a question or protest of team player selection areas within a Palomino league, the decision of the Division Director shall be final. (3) Any player whose parents move and establish a new permanent residence shall submit a written request to compete for the team recruiting in his previous address or the team recruiting from his present address. This request shall be received by the Division Director by June 1st. D. Dates of birth of candidates shall be certified by birth certificates, hospital certificates, baptismal certificates, driver s licenses or equivalent religious or legal documents which shall be presented to a league officer prior to the league s first regularly scheduled game. (1) Exact copies of birth documents are acceptable and may be made by anyone on any copy machine or mechanical duplicating process. (2) Documents presented as proof of date of birth shall be legible and bear the signature of an authorized official of the issuing agency. (3) Player identification cards are issued by PONY Baseball, Inc. upon receipt of the proper forms from league officials and verification by a PONY Baseball Field Director. These cards are acceptable as evidence of birth. Photo copies of these cards are not acceptable. (4) Notarized statements from parents are not acceptable. E. PALOMINO players shall not participate in a game unless the Player Contract has been approved by the Player Agent. F. Players cannot receive money, favors or gratuities for playing baseball, accept money or favors for reimbursement for time lost at work while playing baseball, or expenses incurred while playing. Such acceptance shall not be direct or indirect, through parents, trustees or guardians, or for 12

15 future payment. Any player who has signed a professional baseball contract, or who has accepted remuneration for his services as a player shall not be legal. G. League officers are given the option of prohibiting players from participating on teams in other non-scholastic baseball programs. Local League policy in this matter shall be adopted in written form and made a part of the Local League Bylaws. H. Please refer to rule 1A concerning PONY s policy on disabilities. 5 - BOUNDARIES A. League boundaries shall be determined by the officers and executive committee of the league but are subject to annual approval by the Division Director. B. A map clearly indicating the current boundaries of the league shall be sent to the Division Director and shall be replaced upon request. (1) Unless specifically stated otherwise, the center of the street shall be considered the actual dividing line when streets are used as boundaries. (2) Maps shall indicate specific boundaries such as streets, railroad tracks, rivers, or school districts, postal zones, city limits or similarly specified areas. A definition of boundaries such as five-mile radius is not acceptable. C. The Division Director, based upon the recommendations of the Field Directors concerned, reserves the right to adjust boundaries in the event of overlapping of territorial requests or because of inequitable conditions. Though boundaries are not specifically restricted by population or geographic area, both shall be considered when boundaries are submitted to the Division Director for approval. D. SHETLAND, PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY, COLT, and PALOMINO League boundaries need not be identical. E. Leagues shall identify to the Division Director the boundaries from which they intend to select their players, either on a school population basis, or on a geographical basis. 6 - SELECTION OF PLAYERS A. Selection of players shall be in accord with provisions set forth in the Player Selection Plan adopted by the league. It is expected that each legal player residing within the approved league boundaries shall be given an opportunity to become a player candidate for the league. B. The selection of players for league teams shall be under the direction of a Player Agent who shall be selected by the league officers. C. PALOMINO League: The Division Director or his designated representative shall be responsible for determining player eligibility as to age, amateur status and residence, based upon documentation submitted by the team. D. PALOMINO League: The Division Director, or his representative, shall approve all Player Contracts. (1) League and team officials shall be expected to cooperate fully with the Division Director, or his representative, in providing such documentation as shall be requested to verify the age, amateur status and residence of players. (2) It shall be the duty of the team Business Managers to keep the Division Director, or his representative, advised of any changes in the players participating with his team. 13

16 (3) The original copy of each Player Contract is to be retained by the team. Two copies shall be provided to the Zone Palomino Director, not later than June 30. The Zone Palomino Director will forward copies to the commissioner s office by July 15th. E. PALOMINO League: Players voluntarily leaving the team, or those dropped for disciplinary reasons, before June 30, may be replaced with the approval of league officers, but such players shall not participate with any other Palomino team for the remainder of the current playing season. F. PALOMINO League: After player contracts have been placed on file with the Division Director, by June 30, replacement of players shall require the approval of the Division Director. Replacement shall be approved only in the event a player becomes ill or injured, loses his amateur status, or because of a vacancy created by the signing of a player to a professional baseball contract. Players replaced under this rule shall be considered illegal for the remainder of that playing season. 7 - PLAYING FIELDS A. Distance between bases: SHETLAND & PINTO - 50 feet (15.24m) MUSTANG - 60 feet (18.29m) BRONCO - 70 feet (21.34m) PONY - 80 feet (24.38m) COLT & PALOMINO - 90 feet (27.43m) B. Pitching Distance: PINTO - 38 feet (11.58m) MUSTANG - 44 feet (13.41m) BRONCO - 48 feet (14.63m) PONY - 54 feet (16.46m) COLT & PALOMINO - 60 feet, 6 in. (18.44m) C. Home plate to center of second base: SHETLAND & PINTO - 70 feet 8 1/2 in (21.56m) MUSTANG - 84 feet 10 inches (25.85m) BRONCO - 99 feet (30.18m) PONY feet, 2 in. (34.49m) COLT & PALOMINO feet, 3 in. (38.78m) D. The fair play area shall be within the first base and third base foul lines and a fence or marked line establishing the outfield limits of the playing area, referred to here as Home Run Distances. RECOMMENDED HOME RUN DISTANCES Foul Line Centerfield SHETLAND 125 feet (38.16m) 200 feet (60.96m) PINTO 150 feet (45.22m) 200 feet (60.96m) MUSTANG 175 feet (53.34m) 225 feet (68.58m) BRONCO 225 feet (68.58m) 275 feet (83.82m) PONY 275 feet (83.82m) 315 feet (96.01m) COLT 300 feet (91.44m) 350 feet (106.68m) PALOMINO 300 feet (91.44m) 350 feet (106.68m) E. The height of the pitcher s mound above the level of home plate and the base paths, raised by a gradual slope shall be: PINTO & MUSTANG 4 inches (0.1m) BRONCO 6 inches (0.15m) PONY 8 inches (0.20m) COLT & PALOMINO 10 inches (0.25m) F. There shall be a restraining line, located along the first base line and extending 3 feet (0.91m) beyond first base. This line, paralleling the first base foul 14

17 line and 3 feet (0.91m) into foul territory, shall be marked with chalk or other white material 2 inches (0.05m) wide. Point of origination for the restraining line from home base shall be one half the distance between home plate and first base. G. The recommended distance from home plate to the backstop shall be: BRONCO 30 feet (9.14m) PONY 40 feet (12.19m) COLT & PALOMINO 50 feet (15.24m) H. Home plate, the pitcher s plate and the bases shall be official size as used in regulation baseball. Portable pitching mounds, meeting the correct size requirements are also approved. I. By local option the catcher s box may be rectangular in shape, 43 inches (1.09m) wide and eight feet (2.44m) deep from the point of home plate or it may be triangular shape, extended eight feet (2.44m) from the rear of home plate, being a continuation of the foul lines in which case the line closest to the backstop shall be 16 feet (4.88m) in length. 8 - EQUIPMENT A. The ball shall weigh not less than five nor more than five and one-quarter ounces ( gms.) avoirdupois, and measure not less than nine nor more than nine and one-quarter inches ( cm) in circumference. Baseballs, specially manufactured and designed in such a way as to reduce injuries, or the seriousness of injuries, are approved for use in local league play. (NOT APPROVED FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY.) B. Both leather and vinyl covered baseballs bearing the emblem of PONY Baseball are manufactured to specifications by several companies and are the baseballs required for league play and tournament play. C. Wooden, metal, graphite or ceramic bats, manufactured specifically for baseball play, which are round and not more than two and three-fourths inches (7.0 cm) in diameter at the thickest part, nor more than 42 inches (106.7 cm) in length, are acceptable. Bats manufactured specifically for use in T-ball play, shall not be used when the ball is pitched by a player, coach or pitching machine. D. Metal cleated baseball shoes, rubber soled or rubber cleated shoes are permitted. Alteration of metal cleats, such as sharpening, which might make them dangerous to participants, is specifically prohibited. E. The batter, players in the on-deck batting area, baserunners and players coaching in the baseline coaching boxes shall be required to wear protective headgear which gives protection to the top of the head, temples, ears and base of the skull. These items shall be NOCSAE approved. (1) Use of face masks and properly fastened chin straps on protective headgear is recommended. (2) No decal other than the player s name, number, team name or logo shall be added to the protective headgear. Any headgear in violation of this rule shall be removed from play. F. Catchers are required to wear proper protective equipment including a mask with throat guard, chest protector, shin guards and NOCSAE approved headgear which gives protection to the top of the head and both ears when catching behind the plate. Any player serving as a catcher to warm up a pitcher shall wear a mask, whether the pitcher is warming up from the mound, in the bullpen or elsewhere. 15

18 G. It is recommended that managers make every effort to encourage the wearing of athletic supporters by all male players. H. SHETLAND, PINTO and MUSTANG: Conventional baseball uniforms are recommended. Baseball caps and t-shirts or conventional baseball uniforms may be worn. BRONCO, PONY, COLT and PALOMINO: Conventional baseball uniforms required in league AND TOURNAMENT PLAY include a shirt, pants, cap, and socks as used by teams in the Major Leagues, and shall be worn by all players. (1) This rule prohibits the wearing of shorts (defined as trousers which do not cover the knees of the wearer) or full length slacks by the players. (2) Any exception to the uniform rule shall have the specific written approval of the Headquarters Office. (3) Where commercial advertising is used on team uniforms it is strongly urged that the letters be limited to two inches or less. I. The use of bases with safety features, such as those with tapered sides, those that release upon sufficient impact and the double bag at first base have been approved. J. No jewelry shall be worn by any player, except for medical identification. K. Cell phones, pagers or any other types of communication devices can not be used on the field of play. 9 - PLAYING RULES A. The official playing rules, with the exceptions and variations contained in this book, shall be Official Rules of Major League Baseball completely revised, as released through the office of the Commissioner of Baseball. B. No more than three players shall huddle on the playing field at any time during the game. Umpires shall discourage such gatherings when they tend to delay the game. C. SHETLAND and PINTO: The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation. D. SHETLAND: Ten players shall be used defensively. The four outfielders must be positioned 15 feet behind the baselines when the pitching motions is made. E. SHETLAND: Batters are not permitted to bunt at the ball on batting tee. The batting tee shall be placed on home plate. The umpire is responsible for removal prior to any play at home plate. The batter will not be allowed to adjust the tee or take practice swings after the pitcher has made the pitching motion with one foot on the rubber. PENALTY: Strike. A 10-foot arc shall be inscribed in front of home plate, from the first to the third base foul line, and any batted ball which does not travel beyond that line will be considered a foul-strike for purposes of this rule. PINTO: Batters are not permitted to bunt or softswing at the ball. PENAL- TY: Pitch is a strike and the ball is dead. F. SHETLAND: The batter shall be called out after failing to hit the ball after three swings at the ball on the tee. Batter is not out on a foul or foul tip unless it is a third swing. PINTO: A batter shall be declared out after failing to hit a fair ball after six pitches are delivered by a pitching machine or coach-pitcher. The batter is 16

19 out if there are three strikes before the sixth pitch. Missed swings are counted as strikes, as are foul balls and foul tips. A batter is not out on a foul ball or a foul tip unless it is also the sixth pitch. G. SHETLAND: The catcher shall stand away from the plate until the batter swings, then field the position defensively. (There is no dropped third strike rule.) PINTO: The catcher may assume the catcher s position or stand away until the batter swings, then field the position defensively. (There is no dropped third strike rule.) H. SHETLAND and PINTO: Base runners are not permitted to steal bases and shall remain in contact with the base until ball is hit or crosses home plate. PENALTY: If a runner is off the base and the ball is hit, the runner is out and the ball is in play. If the ball is not hit, the runner must return to the base and the ball is dead. I. SHETLAND and PINTO: There is no infield fly rule. J. MUSTANG: It is recommended that each player on the team play in at least two innings of each game. K. SHETLAND and PINTO: No player participation rule applies. Free substitution on defense including pitching position unless a Pinto player is being utilized. Once removed, a Pinto player may not return to the pitching position. MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY and COLT: Any player in the starting lineup who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game one time. (NOTE: This rule applies to STARTERS ONLY.) (1) Players shall return to the line-up in their original place in the batting order. While more than one substitute may be used in that position before the starting player is returned, no substitutions shall be made that shall alter the original batting rotation of any of the starting or substitute players. (See exception in 9L(2) below.) (2) Once removed from the lineup a pitcher may return to the lineup but shall not pitch again in the same game. L. MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY, COLT and PALOMINO: In any instance in which a team does not have an eligible substitute for a player who becomes ill, is injured, or ejected from the game by the umpire, the player last removed from the lineup by the manager or coach, who is otherwise eligible to play, shall be used as a substitute. (1) When a team s last available substitute enters the game as part of a multiple substitution, the manager shall advise the umpire and official scorekeeper which player is to be considered the last player removed from the line-up. (2) In this instance only, the substitute player shall take the batting position of the player they replace, even though it may be a different batting position than the one he or she previously occupied. (3) This rule applies to all players, including starters. M. SHETLAND and PINTO: When the ball is in the possession of an infielder and, in the umpire's judgement, all play on the runner or runners has ceased, the umpire shall call "Time". The ball is dead and shall be returned to home plate, if the batting tee is used, or to the mound when the pitching machine or coach-pitcher is used. (1) Appeal plays can be made, following the play that is to be appealed, at any time before the pitcher makes a pitching motion, when the batting 17

20 tee or coach-pitcher method is used, or before the ball is ejected from the pitching machine. (2) When an appeal is requested after the ball has been returned to the pitching machine, the coach-pitcher or the batting tee, the umpire shall retrieve the ball and give it to the player-pitcher at the pitcher's plate, and the player-pitcher may then proceed with the appeal. (3) PINTO only: If a batted ball hits the coach pitcher or the coach operating the pitching machine, the ball is dead. The pitch is a foul strike and no runners may advance. If a live ball hits the coach pitcher or the coach operating the pitching machine, or in the umpire's judgement the coach interferes in the fielder's attempt to make a play, the ball is dead and lead runner is out. N. MUSTANG leagues shall adopt one of the following three optional rules for league play. RULE (1) SHALL GOVERN ALL MUSTANG LEAGUE TOURNAMENT PLAY. (1) Runners may lead-off and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules. (2) Runners at first and second bases may lead off and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules, but runners at third base shall remain in contact with the base from the time the pitcher steps on the rubber with possession of the ball until the pitched ball has been hit or has reached or passed the batter. Once the pitcher has stepped on the rubber, in possession of the ball, runners at third base who leave base before the pitched ball reaches or passes the batter shall be called out and the pitch shall be considered as a dead ball. (3) Runners may steal bases, but shall not leave the base they are occupying at the time of the pitch until the pitched ball has reached or passed the catcher. Once the pitcher has stepped on the rubber with possession of the ball, runners who leave base before the pitched ball reaches or passes the catcher shall be called out and the pitch shall be considered as a dead ball. O. PALOMINO: The designated hitter rule shall be as stated in the Official Rules of Major League Baseball. P. The batter must keep one foot in the batter s box at all times in order to speed up play. PENALTY: Umpire will call play ball and call the pitch a strike. Q. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PROCEDURES While risk of one athlete infecting another with HIV/AIDS during competition is close to non-existent, there is a remote risk that other blood borne infectious diseases can be transmitted. For example, Hepatitis B can be present in blood as well as in other body fluids. Procedures for reducing potential for transmission of these infectious agents should include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) The bleeding must be stopped, the open wound covered and if there is an excessive amount of blood on the uniform it must be changed before the athlete may participate. (2) Routine use of gloves or other precautions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated. (3) Immediately wash hands and other skin surfaces if contaminated (in contact) with blood or other body fluids. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves. 18

21 (4) Clean all contaminated surfaces and equipment with an appropriate disinfectant before competition resumes. (5) Practice proper disposal procedures to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments or devices. (6) Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, to minimize the need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices should be available for use. (7) Athletic trainers/coaches with bleeding or oozing skin conditions should refrain from all direct athletic care until the condition resolves. (8) Contaminated towels should be properly disposed of/disinfected. (9) Follow acceptable guidelines in the immediate control of bleeding and when handling bloody dressings, mouth guards and other articles containing body fluids PITCHING RULES A. SHETLAND: Players are not permitted to pitch. B. Any team member may pitch, subject to the restrictions of the pitching rules. C: SHETLAND, PINTO and MUSTANG: Pitching options: (1) For use with batting tee: (a) The ball shall be hit off of a batting tee placed on home plate. The umpire is responsible for removal prior to any play at home plate. (b) The batter shall not swing at the ball until the pitcher has made a pitching motion from the pitcher s plate. (c) The pitcher shall remain in contact with the pitcher s plate until the ball is hit by the batter. PENALTY: A balk shall be called. (2) For use with pitching machine: (a) The pitching machine shall be located approximately 38 feet (44 feet in MUSTANG) from home plate. (b) The pitcher shall take position, ALWAYS TO THE REAR OF THE PITCHING MACHINE, and on the left or the right side with one foot on the dirt portion of the mound. (c) If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine and remains in fair territory, the ball is in play. (d) If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine and goes into foul territory, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance one base. (e) The coach operating the pitching machine shall not direct or coach in any way on offense. PENALTY: The coach will receive one warning and the second time he/she must be removed. (3) For use with coach pitchers: (a) Coaches or managers shall pitch from a pitching plate 38 feet (44 feet in MUSTANG) from the point of home plate. (b) The player fielding the pitcher s position shall take position always to the rear of the pitching plate, and on the left or right side of the coach-pitcher with one foot on the dirt portion of the mound. (c) Coach-pitcher must remain in contact with the pitching rubber while pitching. He/she must throw the ball overhand. No kneeling or pitching from the knee is allowed. (d) The coach pitcher shall not direct or coach his team in any way on offense. PENALTY: The coach will receive one warning and the second time he must be removed. 19

22 D. PINTO: While PONY Baseball does not recommend pitching by players, the following may be used for player pitching at the league's discretion: (1) Pitchers shall not pitch in more than two innings in a calendar day. (2) Pitchers shall not pitch in more than four innings in a calendar week. (3) Pitchers shall have 40 hours rest after pitching in two innings on the same calendar day. (4) When pitchers are used, a third strike is an out even if the catcher drops the ball. E. MUSTANG pitchers shall not pitch in more than three and BRONCO, PONY and COLT age pitchers shall not pitch in more than seven innings on the same calendar day. PALOMINO (League age 17, 18 and 19): Pitchers shall not pitch in more than nine innings on the same calendar day F. When pitching in more than one game on the same calendar day, pitchers may pitch any combination of innings in those games provided they do not exceed the above maximum number of innings in a calendar day. G. MUSTANG pitchers shall be allowed to pitch in no more than eight innings and BRONCO, PONY and COLT age pitchers shall be allowed to pitch in no more than 10 innings in any one calendar week. A calendar week is from 12:01 a.m. Monday to 12 midnight the following Sunday. H. Pitchers shall have at least 40 hours rest after pitching on the same calendar day in: MUSTANG: Three innings. BRONCO, PONY, COLT: Four or more innings. PALOMINO (League age 17, 18 and 19): Five or more innings. I. The 40 hours rest rule is computed from the scheduled starting time of the game in which the pitching occurred, or, in games which begin more than two hours after the scheduled starting time, the actual starting time of the game shall be used to interpret this rule. J. As soon as a pitcher delivers one pitch to a batter the pitcher shall be considered as having pitched in one inning. K. A pitcher is charged with the number of innings pitched in the specific calendar day and week in which they are pitched, regardless of whether they are local league games, the playoff of postponed games or suspended games, tie games or exhibition games. L. Any pitcher withdrawn from the mound and/or lineup, or a pitcher who is withdrawn from the mound and stays in the game at another position, shall not be permitted to pitch again in the same game. M If a relief pitcher comes in cold the umpire shall allow the pitcher to warm up properly with at least ten warmup pitches. N. Pitchers in violation of any of the pitching rules shall be considered ineligible players, subject to penalties outlined in Rule 18 - Penalties. O. The pitcher named in the batting order turned in prior to the start of the game, shall pitch to the first batter or any substitute batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the judgment of the umpire-in-chief, incapacitates him from pitching. 20

23 11 - LENGTH OF GAMES Regulation games shall be: A. SHETLAND: Once play has begun in a game the game shall be played to regulation length (six innings) unless the home team is leading and does not need its half of the final inning. Teams shall not score more than five runs per inning except in the sixth or extra inning, where they may score ten runs. Games shall be considered over when it is mathematically impossible for one team to catch up in six innings. B. PINTO: Once play has begun, the game shall be played to regulation length (six innings) or five and a fraction if the home team is leading unless called because of 10-run rule, or forfeited by the decision committee. Maximum five runs per inning except in the sixth or extra inning which is open. C. SHETLAND, PINTO and MUSTANG League games shall be six (6) innings and shall not exceed nine (9) innings. BRONCO, PONY, COLT and PALOMINO League games shall be seven (7) innings in duration. When a game is tied at the end of regulation length, it shall go into extra innings until a decision is reached or the game is called by the umpire. D. If a game is called for any reason, it shall be a complete game if five innings (four in SHETLAND, PINTO and MUSTANG) have been completed, or if the home team has scored more runs in four (three in SHETLAND, PINTO and MUSTANG) innings or four (three in SHETLAND, PINTO and MUS- TANG) and a fraction innings, than the visiting team has scored in five (four in SHETLAND, PINTO and MUSTANG) completed innings. E. If a game is called for any reason before it is a complete game, as described in Sections A, B, C, and D, or when the score is tied, it shall be considered a suspended game and shall be resumed from the point of curtailment at the time scheduled by league officials. F. If a game is called for any reason in an uncompleted inning, after having reached complete-game length as described in Section A, B, C, and D and the visiting team ties the score or takes the lead in the uncompleted inning, and the home team does not tie the score or retake the lead in its portion of the uncompleted inning, the game shall be considered a suspended game and shall be continued from the point of curtailment at the time scheduled by league officials. G. 10-Run Rule: If a team is leading an opponent by at least 10 runs after five (four in PINTO and MUSTANG) or more complete innings have been played or after four and one half innings if the home team shall have a 10 run lead at the end of its fourth inning, or before the completion of its fifth inning, the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner SCHEDULE A. Scheduling and rescheduling of league games shall be the responsibility of the officers and executive committee, and shall provide not less than 12 regular season games for each team. B. Leagues of the same age bracket, operated by the same set of officers or sponsors, or leagues from adjacent areas, may play an interlocking schedule. 21

24 C. SHETLAND, PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY and COLT: Under no condition shall league officers set up a schedule of games which would require a team to play more than two (one for Shetland) games in one day. PALOMINO: League officers may set up a schedule that requires teams to play in more than two games in one day. It is recommended that this be done only when scheduling problems require it, and should not be a common practice. (1) SHETLAND, PINTO and MUSTANG: No game shall begin after 7:30 p.m. local time. No inning should begin after 9 p.m. local time. (2) BRONCO: No game shall begin after 8:30 p.m., and no inning should begin after 10 p.m. local time. (3) PONY: No game shall begin after 9:30 p.m. and no inning should begin after 11 p.m. local time. (4) COLT - PALOMINO: No game shall begin after 10:30 p.m. and no inning should begin after 12 midnight, local time. D. It is recommended that Local League playing schedules continue into late June. E. Night games are not recommended for Shetland and Pinto League UMPIRES A. Assignment of umpires shall be the responsibility of the league officers. At any time the umpires assigned by the league fail to report, or are otherwise unavailable, any other umpires used in that game shall be agreed upon by the opposing managers, preferably in writing. B. The use of tobacco in any form by umpires on the field is prohibited SCOREKEEPERS A. The official scorekeeper shall record at-bats, hits, runs, errors, strikeouts, bases on balls, innings pitched in by each pitcher and scheduled starting time of games, or actual starting time if game is delayed more than two hours. B. It is recommended that in order to be considered the winning pitcher, pitchers should complete at least three (two in MUSTANG) full innings and leave a lead that stands up for the remainder of the game. C. The official scorer should notify the manager concerned if an ineligible player or an improper batter is about to be used in the game, but the failure of the scorer to do so has no effect upon the rules. 15- SPONSORS A. Teams or leagues shall be sponsored only by those organizations, firms or companies whose activities or products are not detrimental to the welfare of youth. B. Specifically, no firm or company whose advertising reflects the sale of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products shall be permitted to sponsor the program or be permitted to display any form of such advertising in connection with the program. 22

25 16 - MANAGERS AND COACHES A. Adult coaches, if properly dressed in a full baseball uniform, or in a uniform specified by a league, may be used in either or both the first and third base coaching boxes. Only players in baseball uniform and wearing helmets shall be used as base coaches when adult coaches are not used. SHETLAND:Two adult coaches may be stationed on the playing field, beyond the baselines, to provide verbal instructions to the defensive team. Players are not allowed to coach from the baseline coaching boxes. B. A coach or coaches shall not switch coaching boxes during an inning. C. Players, managers and coaches shall remain in the dugouts, on the benches or in the prescribed areas throughout the game. D. PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY, COLT and PALOMINO: If a manager or coach goes onto the playing field to talk to any player or players more than once (twice in Pinto) in a half inning, while the same player is pitching, a pitching change shall be made. The only exceptions to this rule shall be in case of injury, or if time is called by the opposing team or by an umpire. E. PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY, COLT and PALOMINO: Umpires shall not permit more than one offensive time out in each inning to allow a manager or coach to talk with a batter. F. The use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs in any form by players or adult leaders in the dugout, on the benches or on the playing field shall not be permitted. G. PALOMINO team managers and coaches shall not be eligible to play LEAGUE DECISIONS COMMITTEE A. The League President shall appoint a Decisions Committee of not less than five persons to receive and resolve all protests lodged during the playing of league games. At least three members of the committee shall be present to render a decision. B. The Decisions Committee shall concern itself only with game protests, leaving the resolution of other matters in the hands of league officers. C. The Decisions Committee may solicit testimony and advice from any source it chooses, but actual decisions shall be based on majority vote of the members of the committee only. (1) PONY Baseball Field Directors and the Headquarters staff shall give verbal guidance on the intent and interpretation of a rule when requested to do so by a member of the Decisions Committee. (2) Where it is deemed desirable, by majority vote of the Decisions Committee, an official written interpretation shall be provided by the Headquarters staff upon receipt of a written request from the Decisions Committee, outlining the protest under consideration. D. When feasible, the Decisions Committee shall make every effort to render a decision on a protest within 48 hours of receipt of the protest in written form. E. Decisions of the Decisions Committee shall be final and are not subject to appeal. Managers may request confirmation of a ruling by a Decisions Committee from Field Directors or the Headquarters staff. Such requests 23

26 shall be submitted in writing, and shall be answered for informational purposes only, and shall not affect the specific official decision of the Decisions Committee PENALTIES A. Violations of Rule 1, or general failure of the league to comply with the concept of league organization as defined in these Rules and Regulations, and as expressed in the Blue Book of PONY Baseball, may result in refusal to accept the league membership application, or a revoking of the membership status of the league if the violation occurs after membership for the current season has been granted. Please refer to rule 1A concerning PONY s policy on disabilities. B. A team failing to field at least nine (ten in SHETLAND) uniformed players within 15 minutes after scheduled starting time of a game, or at any time during the game, shall forfeit the game. C. Penalty for use of illegal players shall be forfeiture of games in which illegal players participated, provided such games are protested by any of the league managers or officers in writing within 48 hours of the game or games in question. An illegal player is one who is not legally a member of the league because the player does not meet the requirements as to age and/or residence as stated in Rules 4, 5 and 6. Please refer to rule 1A concerning PONY s policy on disabilities. D. Penalty for use of an ineligible player, upon appeal by the opposing manager or notification by the official scorer or league officers, when the official scorebook or other league records verify the ineligibility of the player concerned, shall be immediate removal of the player from the lineup and ejection of the team manager from the game. Both the player and the manager shall be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled game played by the team. Please refer to rule 1A concerning PONY s policy on disabilities. (1) An ineligible player is one who is legally a member of the league, but who is ineligible to play or to pitch in a particular game or games because of the limitations set forth in these Rules and Regulations, or as the result of a previous rules violation or disciplinary action. (2) For purposes of interpreting this rule, a player shall not be considered in violation of the rules until at least one pitch has been thrown to the batter after the point of violation. (3) In the event the manager of an ineligible player refuses to remove the player from the lineup and the manager does not leave the field when the appeal is made, and verified, the game is subject to forfeit. (4) When the ineligible status of a player is not established until after completion of the game, the game shall stand as played, but the player and manager shall be ineligible to participate in the next game played by the team, or the next game played after the ineligible status has been determined. E. Illegal equipment shall be removed from the game. (1) Players are not permitted to use illegal headgear even if no other headgear is available. When proper headgear is not available, the game shall be delayed until the equipment can be obtained, or postponed and rescheduled by the league officers. (2) Penalty for use of illegal shoes shall be removal of the shoes from the game, and, if no other legal footwear is available, removal of the affected player or players from the lineup. 24

27 (3) Players who do not wear complete conventional uniforms, protective headgear and catching equipment as required by these rules, shall be removed from the lineup. (4) Players who intentionally, in the judgement of the umpire, throw bats or protective headgear, or discard protective headgear while batting or running the bases, shall be ejected from the game following completion of any play in progress at the time the violation occurs. Such action does not constitute an out and such players shall be replaced as batters or baserunners if appropriate. F. Pitchers in violation of any of the pitching rules shall be considered ineligible players, subject to the penalties stated for use of an ineligible player in this rule PROTESTS A. A protest based on a play which involves an umpire s judgment shall not be permitted. B. When protests are based on an interpretation of the rules, the objecting manager shall, at the time the play occurs, notify the head umpire, the opposing manager and official scorer that the game is being played under protest, and submit the protest in writing to the league president or secretary, or to the Decisions Committee, within 48 hours of the completion of the game. (1) When protests based on the interpretation of a rule are upheld by the Decisions Committee, the game concerned shall be replayed from the point of protest. (2) Umpires should make a public announcement to the crowd when a game is being played under protest. C. Any team manager or other adult leader who withdraws a team from the playing field under any circumstances prior to the official completion of the game shall forfeit all rights to protests as prescribed in this section GENERAL CONDUCT A. PONY Baseball, Inc., through its headquarters staff and its designated Field Directors, shall reserve the right to withdraw membership from any league, team, player or adult volunteer whose conduct, on or off the playing field, reflects in a manner that is detrimental to the best interests of PONY Baseball, Inc. Please refer to rule 1A concerning PONY s policy on disabilities. B. Players or adult volunteers who engage in unsportsmanlike conduct, such as fighting, abusive language or similarly derogatory activity, may be suspended for one or more games. C. Teams, players or adult volunteers in violation of this General Conduct policy may be refused entry, OR MAY BE REMOVED FROM TOURNAMENT PLAY 25

28 TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS These rules are for use in PONY sanctioned tournament play ONLY. TOURNAMENT BASEBALLS SHALL BEAR OFFICIAL PONY STAMP As stated in Rule 8-B, baseballs bearing the emblem of PONY Baseball, Inc., are required in tournament play. SHETLAND and PINTO: Tournament play in some zones may be conducted with other teams in the local area and is to be conducted with league or All Star teams at the discretion of the Division Director. PONY sanctioned tournaments may include District, Section, Region and Zone levels of tournament play. RULES AND REGULATIONS for TOURNAMENT PLAY Play is governed by Official Rules of Major League Baseball, unless superseded by the Rules and Regulations for Shetland League, Pinto League, Mustang League, Bronco League, Pony League, Colt League and Palomino League or by these Rules and Regulations for Tournament Play. T-1 LEAGUE ELIGIBILITY A. To be eligible for tournament competition a league shall have: (1) Filed the membership application form, paid the team membership fee and met all other membership regulations as set forth in the Rules and Regulations for Shetland League, Pinto League, Mustang League, Bronco League, Pony League, Colt League and Palomino League. (2) Filed the Tournament Application Form and paid to the Division Director the Tournament Entry Fee not later than: SHETLAND- PINTO-MUSTANG-BRONCO-PONY-COLT: June 1. The tournament application form shall be provided to each league by the Division Director after receipt of the league membership application by PONY Baseball headquarters. B. SHETLAND, PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY, COLT and COLT- PALOMINO COMBINED leagues may enter as many teams as desired in tournament play. Any program operating with more than 10 league teams, may select tournament players from any ten teams within their operation. All-Star teams can be selected from any teams in the league, regardless of the number of times a team is used. The number of teams the league desires to enter in tournament play shall be indicated on the membership application form. COLT-PALOMINO COMBINED league teams may enter Palomino tournament play and/or form an all-star team of 15 and 16 year olds and enter Colt League tournament play. All-Star teams may be entered into Palomino tournament play, that are formed from a COLT- PALOMINO COMBINED league. PALOMINO League All Star teams are not permitted. C. Documentary evidence of accident medical insurance, preferably in the form of a certificate of insurance, shall be carried to all tournament games in the event a team member needs medical attention. 26

29 D. A medical release form for each player, bearing the signature of the player s parent or legal guardian, shall be carried to all tournament games. (See page 36.) T-2 TEAM ELIGIBILITY A. SHETLAND, PINTO, MUSTANG, BRONCO and PONY: Tournament teams shall consist of a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 15 players. COLT, PALOMINO and COLT-PALOMINO COMBINED, teams shall consist of a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 players. B. At their first level of tournament competition, tournament teams that do not list 12 or more eligible players on their tournament eligibility affidavit shall be disqualified from tournament play. C. Tournament teams shall have a minimum of 9 (10 for SHETLAND) eligible players, who are physically able to play, present at the start of all tournament games. If 9 (10 for SHETLAND) eligible players are not present within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of the game, the game shall be forfeited. D. At each league s option, tournament teams shall be composed as follows: (1) SHETLAND League Entirely of league age 6 year old players or league age 5 year old players and/or any combination thereof. (2) PINTO League Entirely of league age 8 year old players or league age 7 year old players and/or any combination thereof. (3) MUSTANG League Entirely of league age 10 year old players or league age 9 year old players and/or any combination thereof. (4) BRONCO League Entirely of league age 12 year old players or league age 11 year old players and/or any combination thereof. (5) PONY-13 Entirely of league age 13 year old players. (6) PONY League Entirely of league age 14 year old players or league age 13 year old players and/or any combination thereof. (7) COLT League Entirely of league age 16 year old players or league age 15 year old players and/or any combination thereof. (8) PALOMINO League Entirely of league age 18 year old players or league age 17 year old players and/or any combination thereof. Three 19 year old players are allowed per team. (9) COLT-PALOMINO COMBINED League Entirely of league age 18 year old players or any combination of 15, 16, 17, 18 year old players. Three 19 year old players are allowed per team. E. Only players listed on the tournament team eligibility affidavit, one manager, one coach and one business manager (one extra coach is permitted in SHETLAND and PINTO League when coach-pitchers are used), all of whom shall be dressed in full baseball uniform with the official tournament team emblem, sewn on their right sleeve, shall be on the field or bench. Under this ruling, bat boys, male or female, or mascots, animals or human, shall not be permitted on the field or bench. F. Competing youth league organization s logos and marks are prohibited from being worn on uniforms of coaches, players and umpires in all levels of tournament play. PENALTY: These logos or marks must be removed immediately. If not removed immediately, the individual, or team shall be removed from tournament play. G. All tournament teams shall have a team photo available when they begin Section level tournament play. 27

30 T-3 LEGAL PLAYERS A. Tournament players shall: (1) Be of proper age, as stated in these rules; (2) Reside within the boundaries of the league represented by the tournament team; (3) Have participated in at least one-half of a team s games in the league represented unless excused because of a scholastic competition. Upon written request from a league, Region Directors may lower this requirement to participation in one-third of a team s games for a player or players who are engaged in a state high school baseball tournament and are prohibited from PONY Baseball play until scholastic competition is completed. Any players who participates in the USA Baseball Tournament of Stars will have those games count towards this total. (4) Comply with the rules and regulations for league and tournament play. B. Tournament team players shall be required to wear an official tournament team emblem, sewn on the right sleeve of the uniform, when participating in tournament play at all levels. These emblems are available through PONY Baseball. T-4 ADDITIONAL PALOMINO TOURNAMENT PLAYERS A. In the event a PALOMINO team does not have more than 15 players under contract or listed on the player roster form, that team may add up to three players to the team. (1) Added players shall be selected from among players for other teams in the same regular season league which have been previously eliminated from tournament play. (2) Such additions shall be made after the completion of the team s first level of tournament play and before the team s second level of tournament play. (3) Teams hosting tournament play after the first round of play shall select additional players, from previously eliminated teams in their own league, at any time prior to the level of play they are hosting. B. No eligible player shall be dropped from the regular season team to permit the addition of players from other teams. C. Each league shall determine the manner of selection of additional players by various teams within the same local league. T-5 ELIGIBILITY AFFIDAVIT A. Each league president or designated league officer shall examine the birth certification documents of all players on the league tournament team and, using the eligibility affidavit form provided by PONY Baseball, shall confirm by this affidavit the eligibility of the players on the tournament team representing the league. B. The name of the player shall be listed on the eligibility affidavit exactly as it is shown on the birth document. (Example: John William Jones, not Johnny Jones ). 28

31 C. Two copies of the eligibility affidavit shall be presented to the tournament director at the team s first tournament game. (1) The original copy, bearing the team pitching record on the reverse side, shall be returned to the winning team following completion of the tournament and shall be presented for examination at all future tournament games. (2) A copy of the winning team s eligibility affidavit shall be forwarded to the Division Director by the Tournament Director at the team s first level of tournament play. T-6 BIRTH CERTIFICATION Tournament team business managers shall carry with them to all tournament games evidence of each player s date of birth as described in Rule 4-D. Birth certification documents shall be presented to a credentials committee appointed by the Tournament Director before each level of tournament play begins. T-7 REPLACEMENT OF TOURNAMENT PLAYERS A. Once the eligibility affidavit has been presented to the Tournament Director of the team s first tournament game, no change or addition shall be made on the player roster for any reason except illness of, or injury to, a player, or for those who sign professional baseball contracts. Any changes or corrections of the eligibility affidavit shall be made in the presence of the Tournament Director, who shall initial and date approval of the changes or additions on the affidavit. B. Any replacement of a player on a tournament team for reasons of illness of, or injury to, the player only, shall be supported by written certification from an attending physician as to the conditions necessitating the replacement. (1) The original statement or statements shall be attached to the original copy of the eligibility affidavit and carried with the team to all future tournament games. (2) Replacement players shall be selected from among other legal and eligible players in the league in which the team played during the regular season. C. Players shall not participate with more than one PONY Baseball tournament team within a season, and once removed from that tournament team roster, a player shall not be considered eligible for further tournament play that season. (1) This rule includes participants on Pony 13 teams. (2) PALOMINO players added to teams under Rule T-4 are an exception to this rule. T-8 PLAYING FIELDS Only regulation playing fields as described in the Rules and Regulations of PONY Baseball shall be considered as sites for tournament competition. The only exception to this rule is in tournament competition where leagues, by written consent, agree on a playing field in order to reduce travel problems or when there is no regulation field available. In any such case, approval shall be given by the Division Director or his representative. 29

32 T-9 TOURNAMENT PITCHING NOTE: Players of league age 15 or 16 playing on a COLT-PALOMINO COMBINED tournament team are governed by all Colt League pitching rules. A. A tournament pitcher is allowed to pitch: MUSTANG: In not more than six innings in one calendar day. BRONCO, PONY and COLT: In not more than seven innings in one calendar day. PALOMINO: In not more than nine innings in one calendar day. B. Pitchers who pitch in more than one game on the same calendar day may pitch any combination of innings in those games provided they do not pitch in more than: MUSTANG: six innings on that calendar day. BRONCO, PONY and COLT: seven innings on that calendar day. PALOMINO: nine innings on that calendar day. C. BRONCO, PONY, and COLT: In tournaments involving four or less teams, a pitcher is allowed to pitch in not more than 16 (12 in MUS- TANG) innings in a level of tournament play, regardless of the number of calendar weeks involved in that level of play. D. BRONCO, PONY, and COLT: In tournaments involving five or more teams, a pitcher is allowed to pitch in not more than 16 innings (12 in MUSTANG) in his team s first three games. After a team has played three games, all pitchers on these teams then have 16 (12 in MUS- TANG) innings of pitching eligibility remaining for that level of tournament play, provided they meet the 40 hour rest requirement. A level of play (area, district, section, region, zone) is a tournament or series of playoffs to reduce the teams assigned to that level to a winner who shall advance to the next level of play. E. All pitchers become eligible at each level of tournament play, provided the following 40 hour rest requirement is met, even if it falls within the same calendar week. MUSTANG, BRONCO, PONY and COLT pitchers shall have 40 hours rest after pitching in four (five for PALOMINO) or more innings on the same calendar day. F. Names of all pitchers actually appearing in the game, along with the number of innings in which they pitched, shall be recorded on the Tournament Pitching Record form on the reverse side of the first sheet of the eligibility affidavit form. This record shall be signed by the manager, coach or business manager of the opposing team, the official scorekeeper of the game, or the Tournament Director or his representative. T-10 - LENGTH OF GAMES Once play has begun in a tournament game, the game shall be played to regulation length, unless called because of the 10-run rule, or forfeited by the decisions committee. Games called for any other reason shall be continued as suspended games at the next possible scheduled time, as determined by the Tournament Director. The ten run rule does not apply for SHETLAND League. 30

33 T-11 - SCHEDULE A. Tournament teams shall play until eliminated, at the sites and times designated by the Tournament Director or his representative, with the full realization that to do so may require competition with teams composed of players of various race, creed, color and sex. B. When a team wins the championship of any level of tournament play and refuses to advance to play in the next level of tournament play, that team shall be replaced by the runner-up team. When a team refuses to advance to the next level of play, the Division Director will review the action and may suspend the league s membership in PONY Baseball, Inc. for the following year. C. The various field directors of PONY Baseball shall have full responsibility for determination of team pairings, playing brackets, scheduling and rescheduling of tournament games. T-12 - UMPIRES A. The various tournament directors shall have full responsibility for providing competent umpires for tournament play under their jurisdiction. Tournament umpires shall be 18 years of age or older. B. When circumstances permit, umpires who have not worked in the games of the two competing leagues shall be assigned. When it is necessary to assign umpires from the leagues in competition, the umpire-in-chief shall be selected by the toss of a coin or some other mutually satisfactory method. C. All umpires shall be familiar with the rules and regulations, particularly that phase which deals with forfeiture and protest. D. No league officer shall umpire in a tournament game when the league of which he is an officer is participating. E. National officers of PONY Baseball, Inc., field directors, tournament chairmen and tournament directors shall not be permitted to umpire in a tournament game. F. Only Pony Baseball registered umpires are eligible to umpire Pony sanctioned tournament play. Those umpires who are calling Pony tournament play shall wear the Pony umpire emblem on their right sleeve or a Pony Umpire hat. T-13 - MANAGERS AND COACHES A. A field manager and a coach, who shall each be of legal age in the state in which they reside, shall be selected with each tournament team. (1) SHETLAND and PINTO: Teams may have a total of four coaches (including manager and business manager) in the dugout. (a) Coaches shall not assist batters in the batters box or coach defensively from the field. (b) Umpires shall not permit more than one timeout per 1/2 inning. B. The field manager, assisted by the coach, shall direct the team on the field of play and shall be responsible for the conduct of players both on and off the field. C. The manager and coach shall be attired in full baseball uniform with an official tournament team emblem. 31

34 D. A manager or coach shall not be replaced during a game, except in an emergency, and once replaced shall not resume managing or coaching during that game. E. When a manager and/or coach is replaced between games or levels of play, the Tournament Director shall be notified before the next game. F. At least one adult (manager, coach or business manager) shall be with the team at all times when a tournament team is traveling or is housed as a unit. G. National officers of PONY Baseball, Inc., field directors, tournament chairmen and tournament directors are not permitted to sponsor, manage or coach a tournament team. T-14 - BUSINESS MANAGER A. A business manager, who shall be 21 years of age, or older, shall be selected with each tournament team. B. The business manager shall share in the responsibility for the conduct of players and shall be responsible for handling the business affairs of the team, including arrangements for transportation, feeding, housing and financial matters, as well as the acquisition and handling of birth documents, medical release forms, evidence of accident insurance, and the eligibility affidavit. When a business manager is replaced, the Tournament Director shall be notified. C. Business managers shall be attired in a full baseball uniform with the official tournament team emblem, while in the dugout, bench area or on the playing field, and may serve as a coach. D. Field directors at each level of tournament play shall assist the business manager in matters pertaining to transportation, feeding and housing in cooperation with tournament hosts or sponsors who may be involved. E. National officers of PONY Baseball, Inc., field directors, tournament chairmen and tournament directors shall not be permitted to serve as business manager for a tournament team. T-15 - TOURNAMENT DECISIONS COMMITTEE A. The Tournament Director shall appoint a decisions committee of at least three persons, one of whom shall be the Tournament Director. All members of the decisions committee shall be in attendance throughout the game or games concerned. B. This committee shall accept any protest of an umpire s decision, other than those based on an umpire s judgment. It shall immediately consider the protest in conference with the umpires and managers and then render a decision before play is resumed. Such decisions shall be arrived at by the members of the committee only, based upon information received from the umpires and managers, and the committee s own observation of the play or situation in question. C. Decisions of the decisions committee are final and are not subject to appeal. D. If a decisions committee has not been appointed, an appeal shall be directed to the Tournament Director or his representative, whose decision shall be final. 32

35 E. Managers shall agree on a decisions committee if none is appointed and the Tournament Director or his appointed representative is not present. Should they fail to do so, the decision of the umpire-in-chief shall be final. T-16 - TOURNAMENT DIRECTION A. The Tournament Director, as a representative of PONY Baseball, Inc., shall be directly responsible for the supervision of the actual playing of games and shall serve as liaison between adult leaders of the competing teams and the sponsoring group. B. The Tournament Chairman is charged with arranging the adequate housing and feeding of participants where applicable, proper preparation of playing facilities and overall supervision of the sponsoring group. T-17 - PROTESTS AND PENALTIES A. Protest of any umpire s ruling or other tournament condition shall be made to the decisions committee immediately, before play is resumed. B. Under no condition shall a protest be made after a game is completed. C. Penalty for use of an illegal player shall be removal of the player and the team manager from the game, and disqualification of the manager for the remainder of the tournament season. (1) An illegal player is one not qualified to be a member of the team because of failure to meet the requirements of participation, residence or age. (2) Illegal players shall not be replaced on the team roster. (3) When the illegal status of a player is not established until after a game has started, or has been completed, the player and manager shall be removed at that time, but the game, or any portion of the game played up to that point, shall stand as played. (4) For interpretation of this rule, the penalty shall be assessed against the person in charge, (manager, coach or business manager) when an illegal player is used. (5) A manager (coach or business manager) removed under this rule may not be replaced on the team roster. Should the manager, coach and business manager all be eliminated under this rule, the team shall be removed from tournament competition at that point, and current bracketing adjusted by the tournament director. D. It is basis for protest when the business manager, coach or manager of a tournament team fails to present the eligibility affidavit, birth certification documents, medical release forms and evidence of accident insurance at least one hour before scheduled game time when requested to do so by the Tournament Director or his representative. PALOMINO LEAGUE: Player contracts are also required. E. Penalty for use of an ineligible player shall be the immediate removal of both the player and the manager from the game and continued ineligibility for the next scheduled tournament game played by that team. If such ineligibility carries over from one level of tournament play to the next, the tournament director concerned shall notify the tournament director at the next level of play. 33

36 F. Penalty for use of illegal equipment shall be removal of such equipment from the game. G. The manager, coach and business manager with a tournament team are considered representatives of the league which the team represents. Seriously inappropriate conduct on the part of these adult leaders, on or off the playing field, may result in penalties assessed against the league. Such penalties, to be imposed by the Zone Vice-Presidents following consultation with headquarters, may involve rejection of the league s application for membership in PONY Baseball the following year, or acceptance of the membership application on a probationary status. H. Grievous individual misconduct, on the part of adult leaders or players, on or off the field, such as, but not limited to, fighting, drinking, publicly audible use of foul or abusive language, may result in the removal of an individual from further tournament play for the remainder of the tournament season. Players removed under this section shall not be replaced on the tournament roster. I. The use of artificial noisemakers is prohibited. T-18 - TOURNAMENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY A. Each league shall assume full responsibility for expenses incurred in tournament competition. Expenses shall be reimbursed to as great a degree as possible from tournament entry fee receipts and host guarantees. When possible and practical, arrangements shall be made to have food and housing costs at the tournament site wholly, or partially assumed by the tournament sponsor or host. B. The sponsoring organization at any tournament level shall not assume responsibility, under any circumstances, for transporting, feeding, housing or otherwise providing for any players, other than those listed on the tournament team eligibility affidavit, a manager, a coach and a business manager with each participating team, as covered by the tournament agreement. T-19 - WORLD SERIES A. The World Series level of tournament play shall be by pairings and format determined annually by the Board of Directors of PONY Baseball, Inc. B. Travel expense reimbursement for participating teams shall be at the rate determined by the Board of Directors of PONY Baseball, Inc. C. Transportation arrangements to and from World Series sites shall be made or approved by the Division Director, working in cooperation with the business manager of the team concerned. D. World Series sponsoring organizations shall provide housing in private homes, in motel, hotel, college, military or similar facilities which have been approved by the World Series Tournament Director. E. Sponsoring organizations shall provide meals, or a meal allowance, for all participating teams. F. Participating teams which choose not to accept housing and/or meals provided by the sponsoring organization shall reside and eat elsewhere at their own expense, and shall be responsible for their own local transportation. 34

37 - BEHAVIOR - Tournament play is exciting. Disputes will arise. Tempers may flare. The example set by managers and coaches will be reflected by the players and coaches. As adults guiding, setting an example for young people, make it a good example. Violent displays of temper will not only give the program a bad name, but may cost the league fan and financial support in future years. NOTES TO TOURNAMENT TEAM MANAGING PERSONNEL: DECISIONS COMMITTEE SINCE TIME AND DISTANCE ARE A FACTOR IN TOURNAMENT PLAY, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PONY BASEBALL HAS RULED THAT TOURNAMENT PROTESTS SHALL BE DECIDED ON THE SPOT THAT NO APPEAL OF RULINGS MADE BY THE DECISIONS COMMITTEE IS TO BE ACCEPTED. THE DECISION COMMITTEE IS THE FINAL ARBITRATOR. Managers are urged not to begin play in any tournament game until a Decisions Committee has been appointed and its members made known to them. If, for any reason, a Decisions Committee is not present, and the Tournament Director is not present, and has not designated anyone to serve as a representative of the Tournament Director, the competing managers shall agree upon a Decisions Committee before play begins. If a Tournament Director is not present and a Decisions Committee is not appointed, the decision of the umpire-in-chief shall be final. YOUR NAME CAN BE PART OF THE PONY HEADQUARTERS FLAG PLAZA The Flag Plaza in front of the International Headquarters of PONY Baseball/Softball in Washington, PA, has three flag poles sitting on a miniature ball diamond paved with bricks. Bricks can be permanently inscribed with the name of the donor, or any individual or group named by the donor. Many now contain the names of local leagues which are members of PONY Baseball/Softball, individuals who are active in the program, or are given in recognition of persons who have contributed to a local league or the national or international program. The cost is $50 a brick, a tax-deductible contribution. Proceeds are used for the development of the Headquarters building and grounds. Inscriptions may be two lines, with each line limited to 15 letters or spaces. (Your name and city, perhaps, or name and league). The office will provide forms for the inscriptions, or they may simply be typed or printed legibly and mailed to PONY, PO Box 225, Washington, PA 15301, along with your check. Telephone orders, , or Fax orders, , are acceptable if charged to a Discover, Visa or MasterCard. Checks should be made payable to PONY Baseball, Inc. 35

38 SUGGESTED MEDICAL RELEASE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that I, as the parent or guardian of (insert child's name) a player on the team, hereby grant permission to the adult manager, coach, trainer or business manager of the team to obtain medical care, at my expense, from any licensed physician, hospital or medical clinic, for the player named herein at such time as either parent or legal guardian cannot be contacted in person or by telephone. This authorization shall include all league activities, including the period required to travel to and from those activities; and we do hereby waive, release, absolve, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless the local PONY Baseball, Inc. organization, PONY Baseball, Inc; the organizers, supervisors, participants, and persons transporting the player to and from those activities, for any and all claims arising out of an injury to the player. SIGNED RELATIONSHIP to PLAYER: A PONY Baseball OFFICIAL PLAYER REGISTRATION CARD, or a medical release form similar to the above, both of which are available from PONY Baseball, Inc; signed by a player s parent or legal guardian, MUST BE provided in advance of any participation, for each player on the tournament team in order that physicians and hospitals may accept players for treatment in the event of illness or injury where the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are not available. This form may be copied and is acceptable. Documentary evidence of accident insurance is also required. As such evidence of insurance may be requested by a physician or hospital when a team member is treated. A certificate of insurance is the preferred format. 36

39 PONY Baseball and Softball RECOGNITION AWARDS No International Youth Baseball and Girls Softball program would be complete without honoring those individuals or groups in your community who have served your baseball and softball program. PONY Baseball and Softball offers three awards with which you can honor a special individual or group in your community, with proceeds benefiting PONY Baseball and Softball s building fund. We offer the Founders Award, Joe E. Brown Award and the Wall of Fame Award. FOUNDERS AWARD... $ The Founders Award, so named for Founder and Past President of PONY Baseball and Softball, Lew Hays, is principally given to those persons or groups who have contributed to the founding of a program, field or complex. Recipient of the Founders Award will receive an 8 x 10 plaque and be recognized accordingly at Headquarters. JOE E. BROWN AWARD... $ Joe E. Brown, the famed actor and comedian, was the first president of PONY Baseball and Softball. Joe E. Brown served as president from , not only lending his name to the program but also much of his time. Joe E. Brown and Lew Hays crisscrossed the country in those early days spreading the word of PONY Baseball and Softball. Today we honor Joe E. Brown and anyone in your community with the Joe E. Brown Award symbolic of their dedication and effort in helping make your community a better place to live through PONY Baseball and Softball. The Joe E. Brown Award is an 8 x 12 plaque that will be given to the recipient with his or her name being recorded at PONY Baseball and Softball. WALL OF FAME AWARD... $ The Wall of Fame Award is given in honor of those people making significant contributions at a local league level or a national level. A 9x12 photo plaque of the recipient will be hung at PONY Baseball and Softball Headquarters and the recipient will receive a 5 x 7 engraved plaque for their wall at home.

40 The Right Protection at the Right Time Insurance Program for